Moroccan-Spanish socio-cultural days held in Madrid

Moroccan-Spanish socioeconomic days are currently held this Feb 9-11 in Madrid to ponder on means to reinforce the process of rapprochement of the two countries' economies through analysis and exchange of views between experts in various areas.

The meeting is examining economic and financial relations, fishery, agriculture, human development and immigration issues.

The two sides underlined Thursday the cooperation opportunities offered by the sectors of fishery and agriculture.

The Moroccan side called for the protection and preservation of sea resources through a rational management while the Spanish side said the Agriculture department is currently looking into ways to reach a new fishery agreement with Morocco, within a new framework of cooperation.

As regards agriculture, the Moroccan side cited the challenges facing the Moroccan agriculture, namely the mastery of irrigation techniques and development of a competitive agriculture, calling for consolidation of relations between the producers of the two countries.

The Moroccan delegation to the meeting is led by secretary of State for foreign affairs Aicha Belarbi.

The meeting is sponsored by the Averroes committee that targets the promotion of understanding and entente between Moroccans and Spaniards through dialogue and mutual respect.

The committee was set up in February 1996 as provided for by the Moroccan-Spanish treaty of friendship, neighborliness and cooperation. It is chaired by the two countries' foreign ministers and holds periodical meetings alternately in Morocco and Spain.